Trending
Two years ago, Hollidaysburg jumped out to a nice lead over Abington Heights and had to hold on with the help of a blocked extra point to come away with a 24-23 win.
Last season, the Golden Tigers fell into a huge hole against Delaware Valley in this round before recovering and advancing.
Hollidaysburg coach Homer DeLattre would prefer a less dramatic victory Friday back at Abington Heights, but he knows that's not likely to happen.
"This is one of the first I-formation, downhill football teams we have seen this year," DeLattre said. "Their running back is closing in on 2,000 yards and averaging over 7 yards a carry for the season. That's a great challenge for us. They don't pass the ball a lot, but when they do they have done it well with a couple good receivers."
That back, senior Jayden Anglin, has rushed for 1,959 yards and 18 touchdowns with an average of 178.1 yards per game.
"Our players have been extremely resilient and have played with great effort all season," Abington Heights coach Joe Repshis said. "The 14 seniors on the roster have been exceptional leaders for this team on the field, in the classroom, and in the community. I am very proud of the team's growth and development on and off the field throughout the season."
Fortunately for the Golden Tigers, they got a chance to work against a strong running game last week when they shut down DuBois' London Duncan for most of the game until he picked up large chunks of yardage against their reserves.
"We did pretty well," DeLattre said. "They gave us some looks that we didn't see or prepare for, so it actually helped us a lot going into this week's game, because we were able to make some adjustments and stop the run other than that first possession where we missed a couple tackles. Aside from that, we were really happy with it."
Hollidaysburg has had to travel in this round three seasons in a row. Last year's win over Delaware Valley was in Danville and the 2024 game was in Milton.
"I think (our experience) helps a lot, especially when we have to drive three hours and 15 minutes to our opponent's home field," DeLattre said. "We have been on the road a lot over the last couple years on some really long road trips. I think that experience really helps us in this game."
The Hollidaysburg players, who have won 13 games in each of the last two seasons, are confident.
"We have to keep doing what we have been doing and stick together as a team," Hollidaysburg running back Isaac Vent said. "We'll be good."
Anglin and Noah Kayal, who has thrown the most passes for Heights this year with 68 attempts, both played in that game two years ago. Anglin ran for 21 yards on eight carries.
"They have a couple guys that played in that game as sophomores," DeLattre said. "We have one or two that did as well, but the biggest thing was you knew back then and watching again this year that they are a really well-coached team that runs their stuff well. They have a great system and are historically pretty good at football. We know we're going to have to do a really good job and be fundamentally sound and disciplined against them to get the win."
The winner of Friday's game will play the District 11 champion next weekend.
Repshis knows despite playing at his own home field, his team is in for a challenge.
"Hollidaysburg is very talented and well-coached in all three phases of the game," Repshis said. "They are big and physical up front and athletic at the skill positions. Offensively, they are balanced and have the ability to produce explosive plays. Defensively, they are disciplined and sound in their schemes. They are very good and effective in all facets of special teams."